Ella Mae Rich, age 98 of Rich Hill, MO passed away Thursday, July 2, 2026 at her home with her family present. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 7 at 2 p.m. at the Heuser Funeral Home, with burial in Green Lawn Cemetery, Rich Hill, MO.
Ella Mae is survived by her children, Warren Rich and Susan; daughter Vicky Sue Rich, 1 daughter-in-law, Nancy Rich; 1 sister, Dorothy Mitchell; grandchildren, great grandchildren, and other friends and family.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released new information about a plane crash that took the lives of 11 skydivers and a pilot last month in Butler, Missouri. Federal investigators said there were no obvious problems that would have caused the plane to crash.
The plane
met the weight and balance limitations, according to the report, and fuel
samples were found to be clean with no sediment or debris present. The skydiving company had no concerns
with the pilot, who had been with them for two jump seasons.
Multiple
damaged GoPro cameras were recovered from the accident site and were
transported to the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Laboratory, the report says.
During the
initial climb, the report says the airplane began a gradual turn to the left. A
security video showed the airplane continuing to turn to the left, with both
wings eventually becoming perpendicular to the ground before crashing. The
report says the plane was consumed by fire when it crashed.
All of the
passengers on the aircraft died in the crash. They have since been identified.
It was also confirmed by the Bates County sheriff, Chad Anderson, that multiple
people had witnessed the tragedy, including family members of the victims. The NTSB
added that a final report with a probable cause of the crash and contributing
factors would also be released in about 12-18 months.
Kent E. Hall, age 92 of Amsterdam passed away Monday, July 6 at his home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, July 9 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel. No visitation prior to services. Burial in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel. Contributions to the Adrian VFW Post 1935. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com
Kent is survived by his wife, Hazel Hall of Amsterdam; two sons, Todd Hall of Amsterdam and Jeff Hall and wife Kelly of Butler; two granddaughters, Brandi Hill and husband Jeff and Becki Newkirk and husband Daniel, all of Adrian; and four great-grandchildren, Kenton, Libby, Tucker and Garrett.
On Wednesday, July 1st, 2026, 26-year-old Dakota Parrish of Raymore was arrested in reference to an Internet Crimes Against Children Investigation by Cass County Sheriff’s Detectives assigned to the Western Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (WMICAC).
Parrish has been charged with three felonies for possessing
Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office received a cyber tip
regarding the possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) from the
National Center for Exploited and Missing Children (NCMEC).
During the investigation, Parrish was identified as a
possible suspect.
A search warrant was served at his residence in the 600
block of Andypaul Court and further investigation led to his recent arrest.
He’s currently at the Cass County Jail on a $50,000 cash
only bond.
The Western Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children
(WMICAC) Task Force is spearheaded by the Cass County Sheriff’s Office and
consists of personnel from agencies within Cass, Bates, Henry, Johnson,
Lafayette, Pettis and Saline counties. The Western Missouri Internet Crimes
Against Children WMICAC is an affiliate of the Missouri Internet Crimes Against
Children Task Force (MOICAC).
From the desk of Bates County Sheriff, Chad Anderson:
I am a little upset this post has to be made. I’m not sure when we as a society quit caring for each other. Tonight my deputies, along with first responders from Adrian and EMS units from Bates County and Cass County responded to a very serious head on collision on 18 Highway.
The City of Archie is looking for bids for a section of sidewalk to be located at Hodges Park.
The area is
marked with paint. The overall length of sidewalk will be 113' placed in
two sections. The sidewalk will need to be 5' wide with a 3" gravel
base.
Bidder will
provide all materials and labor and will be responsible for backfill around the
sidewalk. There is dirt on site for the backfill.
Submit bids to the City Hall, 204 S. Main
Street, Archie, MO 64725, by Friday, July 10, 2026, at 12:00PM. Contact Rick
Blundell with any questions at 816-293-5601.
During the evening of June 30th, the Nevada Police Department received a report of an individual abandoning a scrap vehicle in the parking lot of a local business before leaving the area.
Officers were familiar with the individual and knew he had
active felony warrants for his arrest. Nevada Police had been actively
searching for the suspect over the past week, and officers had been provided
updated information as part of a proactive effort to locate him.
Within minutes of receiving the citizen's tip, officers
located the suspect and took him into custody without incident.
During the arrest, officers located suspected
methamphetamine on the individual. The suspect was identified as Skyler Fenton
of Nevada. He was transported to the Vernon County Jail, where he was held on
his outstanding felony warrants.
Fenton was also issued a citation for abandoning a motor
vehicle. The Nevada Police Department takes illegal dumping seriously and encourages
anyone who witnesses someone illegally dumping items to report it as soon as
possible. Information such as vehicle descriptions, license plate numbers,
photographs, or video can be extremely helpful in identifying those
responsible.
Additional charges related to the alleged possession of
narcotics will be submitted to the Vernon County Prosecuting Attorney for
review.
The Nevada Police Department appreciates citizens who report
suspicious activity. This incident is another example of how community
partnerships, combined with proactive police work, help remove wanted offenders
from our community and contribute to public safety.
On Tuesday, June 30th, at approximately 1:15 p.m., deputies with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office were advised of a vehicle pursuit involving the Missouri State Highway Patrol heading southbound on I-49 near Peculiar.
A deputy
joined the pursuit near Cantrell Rd. in Harrisonville.
The pursuit
continued and eventually went northbound to Belton where deputies assisted the Missouri
State Highway Patrol in taking the subject into custody at a dead end near
Oakland Ave. and 165th St.
The driver
has been identified as 26-year-old Tiffany McCurdy of Kansas City.
McCurdy has
been charged with Aggravated Fleeing a Stop or Detention (D Felony).
She’s
currently at the Cass County jail with a $50,000 cash only bond.
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The
Bates County Cattlewomen will be selling Ruben Sandwiches during the Bash on
Tuesday, July 7th. Cattlemen will have a booth at the bash selling
Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, pulled meat, and Ribeye Sandwiches with chips and a
drink. All prices will be posted. The
Bates County Fair will be held July 6th through July 10th
at the Bates County Fairgrounds .  |
The 22nd Annual Appleton City Car Show will be July 11 in the City Park, on 52 Hwy across from Zink Motor Co. Check in 8:00 a.m.-noon. Car Show noon-3:00 p.m. This is a judged event. There is a $10 entry fee, with proceeds going to two scholarships for local high school students. Top 85 cars and trucks combined, top 3 motorcycles, and top 3 rat rods. There will be food concessions, music, goody bags, live auction, door prizes, 50-50 drawing and dash plaques for all entries. Along with the AC Car Show, Zink Motor Co (across from the Car Show) is hosting the KC Antique Car Club at their dealership. Model A’s and T’s will be on display. The Zink Motor Museum will be open and ready for tours that day. This event is free.
Looking for a career, not just another job? Hoot Owl Heating & Air Conditioning in Butler is expanding and looking for experienced HVAC Service Technicians and Installers to join their growing team. If you take pride in quality workmanship, enjoy solving problems, and believe in treating customers right, Hoot Owl Heating and Air Conditioning wants to meet you. This local company offers competitive pay based on experience, steady year-round work, and a company built on honesty, reliability, and respect. Bring your experience and your work ethic to Hoot Owl Heating & Air Conditioning. Send your resume today to [email protected] and start building your future with a company that's on the rise.
Prime Rib for two every Saturday from 3 until closing at the Boathouse in Rich Hill. It’s casual dining at this lake house atmosphere restaurant… but gourmet food on the menu like prime rib cooked to perfection with baked potato, and salad. Grab a friend and head to the lake and never leave Bates County. Dine in or carry out….. Enjoy other boathouse entrees like golden tenderloin sandwiches, fried chicken or fish , chicken strips and prime rib sandwiches. Grab a friend and head for the Boathouse Restaurant in Rich Hill while they are serving prime rib for two every Saturday night from 3 until 9 . Boathouse Restaurant Rich Hill.
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Ecco Ride is hiring drivers for Adrian, Archie
and Butler School districts. Earn extra money and be a part of helping your
communities with a rewarding part-time job! Ecco Ride offers competitive pay
and paid training to earn your CDL. Ecco Ride
will even help you study for your learner’s permit before you’re
hired! Applicants must be at least 21 with a clean driving record. Apply
today at indeed.com or eccoride.com make a difference in your community –
drive with Ecco Ride. Ecco Ride LLC is an equal opportunity employer.  |
Need a helping hand around the house? Call Haven's Helping Hand!
Whether it's mowing the lawn, landscaping, tree trimming, home repairs, running errands, or finally checking off that honey-do list, Tyler Havens is here to help.
Need an extra set of hands to move furniture, lift heavy items, clean out the attic, or tackle those jobs that just aren't as easy as they used to be? Tyler is ready to lend a hand.
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Call Tyler today at 660-464-0895.
Hi! My name is Katelynn Shouse, and I am a junior at Butler High School. I am honored to be a 2026 Bates County Fair Queen Candidate.
Ella Mae Rich, age 98 of Rich Hill, MO passed away Thursday, July 2, 2026 at her home with her family present. Funeral services will be held...
